Man, I can’t believe it’s almost been a month since Elevate. I went to this California blog conference last year and absolutely fell in love. It isn’t the biggest conference, but I love it that way. It’s small enough I get to talk to tons of people, but not be completely overwhelmed. My tribe is there. My best friends. I decided it was the perfect time for me to take a little weekend away (The last time I left Presley was almost 2 years ago!) and I had an absolutely blast. I needed it BAD. Needed to just drive and listen to my music, to not worry about getting that little person into her carseat, about nap time and bedtime and being up throughout the night. I might have cried driving away because I spend every day with that little monster – but after an hour into the car ride I was pumped for 48 hours away.
I couldn’t wait to arrive, 6 hours in the car driving through LA is a headache! My bloggy bestie and I got a room together and spent the afternoon relaxing, picking up donation supplies at Target & of course getting dinner and drinks at the Lazy Dog Cafe before calling it a night.
Saturday morning after getting ready and taking some outfit pictures we headed off to grab our sugar high breakfast at the most amazing little donut shop before the Conference. I’ve heard lots about this place so I was so excited to go and meet up with some of my best blog friends & indulge in some amazing calories.
After getting a 4 donut sugar high (don’t judge, Lauren and I shared!) We headed over to the conference, signed in & got ready for a day full of inspiration and girl talk, crafts, and lots and lots of snacks.I seriously couldn’t wait to meet new girls, listen to the speakers & be uplifted and re inspired to blog & be HERE. We had some AMAZING speakers. They were chosen perfectly for this years conference and I know they helped every single one of us there feel our worth and helped inspire us. Multiple business owners, mothers, bloggers – women who have found their light and are sharing it with the world. Pretty much what we are all just trying to learn how to do.
I finally got to meet Kate in person. Ginger, she’s my life goal y’all.
Nay is my rock. This women is incredible.
Of course, I ate ways to much (I can’t be stopped!!) but thats why I wore a loose fitting shirt. Aside from all the wonderful food – we had wonderful speakers. I mean, these are straight up girl bosses & such inspirations.
Alison Prince has MULTIPLE businesses, most recognized being Pick Your Plum & How Does She – she is soooo down to earth & ready to listen and give advice. I LOVED listening to her and adapting her motto I.WILL.NOT.BE.STOPPED. into my life. So incredible to see a mother who makes time to get what she wants. THIS is what I need to do. Stop making excuses and go fight for what I want.
Courtney from one of my favorite online shopping sites Cents of Style also shared her story about starting a business and starting a family. This women brought the ENTIRE room to tears. (Winning in my book). She said something that stuck with me, “When you look good, you feel good & then you DO good”. Wam bam thank you MAM. I mean, thats enough reason to get ready and go shopping today. Her husband is a crazy runner & I’m pretty sure her instagram is one of my faves.
The speaker I was most excited to hear from was Ginger. I’ve followed her for awhile. She is absolutely breathtaking, but she takes Motherhood and positivity to an entirely new level. She’s a rockstar & her Instagram Ebook on editing pictures changed my Instagram life. She not only takes amazing pictures, but showcases how amazing Motherhood CAN and SHOULD be.
So, after speakers and lots of food – of COURSE there was swag. I mean, whats a blogger without swag? The sponsors for Elevate were incredible and tons of people went home with stuff. I mean, look at all these goodies! You see that huge basket in the middle? Thats $230 worth of Ikea – that came home with MUAH. Seriously no idea how I got that lucky. (I won the big prize last year too?!)
So, 100% I will be one of the first to buy a ticket next year. I will drive from Arizona, get a hotel – the whole shebang. THIS is an amazing conference to go too. I seriously left PUMPED up to be alive, to be a woman & to be a blogger. I may not be huge, I may not even be large – but I know that SOMEONE out there needs to hear my story. I cannot even thank Summer & Jen enough – these woman are amazing. They put together such an uplifting conference, and they look flat out amazing doing it too.
Pictures courtesy of Pure Post Photography.
Renee "Nay" Soriano says
My beautiful girl! I loved being with you all day – and those dooughnuts were no joke! I think I bought just a bit too many! I love you so very much – so happy to call you my friend! See you soon….please!!!
Tausha says
I love you. I will be visiting you in September after A arrives okay?! Deal. XOXO
Lisa H says
So this makes me want to get my blogger butt into gear so I feel bloggie enough to go.